Project On social issue of class 10
Answers
Answer:
Freedom of the Press is the very foundation of and an essential condition for a successful Democracy. It is the backbone of Democracy. In India, the freedom of the Press has been guaranteed by the Constitution. The Press is supposed to be an active link between the government and the people in a democratic country. It investigates official lapses and makes the facts public. It is, in fact, a watch-dog of democracy. It keeps the government on its toes by exposing its various misdoings and acts as a true mirror of public opinion.
The people in a democratic country have a right to know things and this right is a part of the Fundamental Right of Freedom of Speech and Expression. Hence it is the duty of the Press to keep the people informed, educated and alert. The freedom of the Press does not, however, mean freedom to distort facts, freedom to blackmail people or freedom to indulge in character assassination or cheap sensationalism. The Press is meant to educate public opinion ; it is not meant to incite people to senseless violence. The press is not an enemy of the government ; it is supposed to help government efforts in creating a healthy climate in society. The press is not there to add to the people’s problems and spell misery and dissatisfaction ; it has to work to promote the common weal. The Press has to know its responsibilities. It has to ensure that its writings conform to the national objectives and do not run counter to them.
The Press in India, has by and large, been enjoying complete and unfettered freedom. But, at times, it seems that the Press does not play its part in a responsible manner. The freedom enjoyed by the Press is grossly misused. At times, a section of the Press is clearly committed to a line of thought and refuses to look at things objectively. It looks at things through the tinged glasses of prejudice and indulges in mudslinging and baseless criticism. Not only that, some papers openly promote communal hatred and create unnecessary tensions through baseless news and biased views.